In 2024, the resort launched with an advanced wastewater treatment facility capable of managing all water and sewage throughput at full occupancy. This treated water is redirected into the resort's irrigation system, supporting its green landscaping initiatives. All plant species have been carefully selected for their indigenous status within the Cyclades and their ability to thrive under high-efficiency water conditions.

To ensure complete water independence from the island’s resources, Gundari will commission an on-site desalination plant in 2025. This facility will convert seawater into fresh, potable water, enabling the resort to operate entirely self-sufficiently in terms of water supply.

Further supporting a circular water strategy, Gundari also utilises a grey water system, recycling water from sinks, showers, and baths for irrigation. In addition, all bathrooms are fitted with water-conserving fixtures to minimise consumption.

In pursuit of zero waste to landfill, the resort is working towards the elimination of food waste. By 2026, it will implement a food composting system to convert organic kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost for landscaping use.

The culinary programme further reflects this commitment with seafood and cheese sourced exclusively from local farmers and fishers, reducing the environmental impact of transportation and supporting the island’s economy.

As part of its social responsibility practices, Gundari offers full-board meals to all staff members as part of their working conditions, ensuring wellbeing and fair employment standards.

The resort’s energy systems are also designed with low impact in mind. Solar panels support hot water provision, and the property operates under a certified “Green” electricity supply contract that guarantees power from renewable sources. For transportation, guests have access to electric vehicles and on-site fast-charging stations.

From inception, the resort was designed to maximise energy efficiency and minimise carbon emissions. More than 50% of Gundari’s accommodations incorporate bioclimatic architecture, with suites partially embedded into the landscape. This design uses the natural insulation of the earth to regulate indoor temperatures year-round, significantly reducing the need for mechanical heating and cooling systems. 

Across the property, all rooms and buildings meet the highest insulation standards to reduce energy consumption and heat loss.

To further support clean energy usage, Gundari employs solar panels to assist with hot water production and uses high-efficiency heat pumps. The entire resort operates under a certified “green energy” electricity supply contract, guaranteeing that all energy is sourced from renewable, low-emission providers.

Gundari actively monitors and manages its environmental performance through participation in the EarthCheck Certified Programme—a globally recognised benchmarking system for sustainability in tourism. Through this partnership, the resort tracks its carbon emissions and energy use, identifying ongoing opportunities to lower its climate impact and improve environmental resilience.

Supporting low-carbon mobility, Gundari offers electric vehicles for guest use, alongside high-speed charging stations on-site. These efforts contribute to a reduction in transport-related emissions and promote sustainable exploration of the island.

Climate-positive action at Gundari also includes responsible sourcing and community collaboration. Construction of the resort involved local tradespeople, with approximately 20% of construction costs benefiting the local economy. In hotel operations, Gundari employs local residents where possible, with 10% of its 2024 workforce coming from the tiny island of Folegandros.

To reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, Gundari sources key ingredients—including fresh seafood and the traditional cheese sourouto—directly from local farmers and fishers. The resort also works with local agricultural experts on future farming and permaculture projects, designed to enhance local resilience to climate variability.

In addition, Gundari supports cultural and environmental preservation through its ongoing financial contributions to the Folegandros Cultural Association, recognising the role of local heritage in climate resilience and sustainable tourism.

Through these integrated initiatives, Gundari not only reduces its own environmental impact but also contributes to broader climate action goals. 

In partnership with the University of Crete and the University of Athens, Gundari launched a comprehensive bird conservation programme in 2024. 

The initial phase began with the implementation of a bird monitoring study, aimed at establishing accurate nesting data for key avian species, including the Eleonora’s Falcon and the Bonelli’s Eagle—both significant to the island’s fragile ecosystem.

Building on this foundation, 2025 will see the development of a dedicated bird oasis within the resort’s grounds. This sanctuary will offer essential food and water resources for migratory birds, helping them restore energy during their long journeys and increasing their chances of survival. Additionally, this initiative aims to enrich the local food chain by providing more consistent prey availability for Eleonora’s Falcons.

To support breeding success, Gundari is also creating custom nesting shelters for Eleonora’s Falcons. These protective structures are designed to shield eggs from direct sunlight, improving hatching rates and supporting the growth of local populations.

Beyond avian conservation, Gundari’s biodiversity efforts extend to marine life. The resort continues to work closely with the University of Crete and the University of Athens on a broader biodiversity regeneration programme, which includes research into sea mammals along the coastline of Folegandros. These initiatives contribute valuable scientific data while guiding long-term conservation efforts both on land and at sea.

Through these ongoing partnerships and nature-based initiatives, Gundari is actively contributing to the preservation and restoration of the Cycladic ecosystem.